The celebration arrived in Louisiana in 1682 when the explorer LaSalle and his party stopped at a place they called Bayou Mardi Gras south of New Orleans to celebrate.

Parading and street revelry would give way to Mardi Gras' elegant side, with the lavish and private grand balls of the Rex and Comus krewes on Tuesday night signaling the traditional end of the celebration. Carnival 2012's French Quarter party, however, will officially end when officers on horseback clear Bourbon St at midnight as Mardi Gras gives way to the beginning of Lent, the period of fasting and repentance before Easter Sunday.